Formation of intermetallic compounds in Al and Mg alloy interface during friction stir spot welding

The spot welding of Al plate to Mg plate was produced by friction stir spot welding using various tool rotation speed and duration time of the tool to investigate the effects of the welding parameters on the reaction of Al and Mg alloy. The interface microstructure and phase were investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The mechanical properties of the joints are evaluated using tensile test. Experimental results show that intermetallic compounds were formed in the interface of the Al and Mg alloys. The thickness of intermetallic compounds layer increases with increasing tool rotation speed and duration time, and has a significant effect on the strengths of the joints. Heavy thickness of intermetallic compounds layer seriously deteriorates the mechanical properties of the joints. The intermetallic compounds layer mainly contains Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17 (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.